Multiple-control air distribution outlet device

ABSTRACT

An air distribution outlet device is provided having a plurality of control elements that are each independently and selectively operable for regulating direction and volume of air flow at a specific location. This air distribution outlet device includes an elongated barrel having a terminal outlet end provided with an air flow control valve with a substantial portion of the barrel wall formed with a multiplicity of orifice-type perforations permitting laterally outward air flow. The air flow valve at the terminal outlet end of the barrel is selectively operable to control air flow therethrough from a zero quantity to an unobstructed, straight through flow. Selective positioning of the air flow valve in any position other than full open for unrestricted flow results in a proportional amount of air flow laterally through the perforations of the barrel producing a distinctive air distribution pattern and permitting control of the discharged air velocity. Swivel mounting of the barrel provides further directional control of air flow.

United States Patent [191 Harmon MULTIPLE-CONTROL AIR DISTRIBUTION OUTLET DEVICE [75] Inventor: William M. Harmon, Westerville,

Ohio

[73] Assignee: United Sheet Metal Company,

Westerville, Ohio [22] Filed: Nov. 21, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 418,045

[52] US. Cl. 98/41; 98/40 C [51] Int. Cl. F24F 13/08 [58] Field of Search 98/40 R, 40 A, 40 C, 40 E, 98/40 N, 41, 118, 56, DIG. 7, 57, 55; 239/562; 34/104, 241

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 335,673 2/1886 Bacon 98/40 A 1,717,118 6/1929 Neidich 34/104 X 1,918,927 7/1933 Otto 239/562 X 2,781,715 2/1957 Labus 98/40 N 2,827,060 3/1958 Marty 1 239/562 X 3,004,348 10/1961 Gustafsson 98/40 N X United Kingdom 98/55 357,972 10/1930 United Kingdom 34/104 Primary Examiner-William E. Wayner Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mahoney, Miller & Stebens [57] ABSTRACT An air distribution outlet device is provided having a plurality of control elements that are each independently and selectively operable for regulating direction and volume of air flow at a specific location. This air distribution outlet device includes an elongated barrel having a terminal outlet end provided with an air flow control valve with a substantial portion of the barrel wall formed with a multiplicity of orifice-type perforations permitting laterally outward air flow. The air flow valve at the terminal outlet end of the barrel is selectively operable to control air flow therethrough from a zero quantity to an unobstructed, straight through flow. Selective positioning of the air flow valve in any position other than full open for unrestricted flow results in a proportional amount of air flow laterally through the perforations of the barrel producing a distinctive air distribution pattern and permitting control of the discharged air velocity. Swivel mountingof the barrel provides further directional control of air flow.

11 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 4 US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 U.S. Patent Nov. 18,1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,919,929

US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet4 of4 3,919,929

MULTIPLE-CONTROL AIR DISTRIBUTION OUTLET DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conditioning of air as to both cooling and heating is conventionally accomplished by heating or cooling of the air that is circulated from and to the controlled space. A conventional system is readily adaptable to and particularly advantageous where the space to be so controlled is effectively limited or closed and is subject to relatively static environmental conditions. This is the situation with respect to office space and other similarly closed-space areas where the only condition that must be accommodated is the effect of the outside ambient weather. The heating and cooling apparatus utilized in such situations can be effectively and economically operated automatically in response to remote environment sensors and interconnected control systems.

The conventional techniques of heating and cooling a closed space are either not effective or become economically impossible in environmental situations where the space may be extremely large as in factories or where a localized process may produce an extremely large heat input or where it is not possible to effectively close the desired work space. In installations such as factory situations of this type, heating or cooling has been traditionally effected through installation of air distribution ducts having outlets at selected or desired work stations. A source of air at a predetermined temperature is forced through the ducts and is then distributed at the selected work stations through various types of air distibution outlets. The air thus distributed is not returned directly for recycling through the system. A disadvantage of the prior art distribution outlets is that they are generally of a pre-set fixed distribution design type that are determined by engineering studies. As a consequence, these devices are positioned and set in accordance with an average or optimum work situation and operator procedure. As such, the prior art distribution outlets do not satisfactorily distribute the air for all of the varied operating conditions that may be encountered at a particular work station where it is desirable to control direction, volume and air distribution pattern for optimum worker comfort.

The known prior art outlet devices designed for air distribution are very limited in capability as to adjust ment in either direction of air flow or the pattern of air distribution as well as velocity of air flow. Most prior art devices merely comprise a single controllable element interposed in the air stream for effecting the desired change in either velocity or with consequent effect on the air flow pattern. A commonly utilized device for effecting direction control merely comprises a discharge nozzle that is mounted on a distribution duct in a manner permitting physical displacement whereby the axis of the discharge nozzle may be aligned with the desired direction of air flow. It is also possible to incorporate a volume control with a directional control device to thereby provide an additional element of control over a direct air jet.

Other types of known prior art devices represent attempts in effecting control over the distribution pattern of the discharged air. These devices, however, have not proven to be particularly successful in effecting control over an adjustment in the distribution pattern. These devices have generally been limited to merely providing volume control to a distribution device that is fixed 2 in its pattern of distribution. That is, these devices merely vary the volume of air that is distributedd in a predetermined pattern predicated on the constructional configuration of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a device providing selectively adjustable control as to both direction of air flow and pattern of air flow distribution in conjunction with volume control. This multiple adjustment of air flow is accomplished by the combination of an elongated, perforated-wall barrel and a selectively adjustable, flow control valve. The elongated barrel is connected at one end to an air distribution duct and the flow control valve is mounted on the opposite end. This flow control valve is selectively positionable to permit a direct axial flow of air through the barrel or to permit air flow only laterally from the barrel through the perforations. An indeterminate number of positions of this flow control valve between that required for effecting the two extreme control situations provides infinite control over the air distribution pattern.

The elongated barrel is also mounted on the distribution duct for swivellin g movement in any direction within a predetermined limited extent. This swivel mounting of the barrel thus enables a worker to selectively position the device to direct a desired pattern of air distribution in a preferred location.

Volumetric control is also provided by incorporation of a second flow control valve in upstream relationship to the barrel and first control valve.

This device may thus be selectively operated to direct a desired quantity of air in a preferred distribution pattern relative to the location of the device. Control is selectively variable from a direct, axial-flow jet stream to a circular pattern wherein a reverse air flow is achieved. In the latter instance, the air flow is reduced to a minimum velocity at the particular work station. Swivelling of the outlet device enables the worker to reposition the desired distribution pattern within a limited extend relative to a predetermined work station.

This device is thus capable of providing the worker with substantially unlimited control over the air supply at his particular work station thereby enhancing his personal confort and improving work efiiciency. The ability to adjust velocity of the air flow across the worker permits the worker to obtain the desired comfort without substantially affecting the volume, although volume is also a selectively controllable factor. Obtaining of comfort through velocity control alone thereby maintains a constant volume which is an advantage for efficient system operation since system balance and BTU transport are maintained at an optimum constant.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic'elevational view of an air distribution system relative to a work station provided with a distribution outlet device embodying this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device on an enlarged scale with portions thereof sectional.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 but 3 with the air flow valve rotated 90.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 but with the air flow valve rotated 90.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the perforated barrel on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrammatic illustrations of three air distribution patterns obtainable through selective adjustment of the air flow control valve.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a modified air distribution outlet device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an air distribution outlet device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 incorporated in a distribution duct 11 as a typical example of utilization of this type of device. Thedistribution duct 11 is shown as a portion only of an extensive distribution system installed in an open factory area. This portion of the duct has an inlet end 12 and a discharge end 13 which are interconnected with the remaining portions of this system. As is typical of this type of system, the duct 11 may be reduced in cross-sectional area as illustrated after each station outlet duct 14 that is located closely adjacent to and extends toward a workers station which is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1.

Each station outlet duct 14 is located at the most advantageous position relative to a particular workers station and, with the distribution duct 11 suspended from a ceiling of a building or other structural framework members, the station outlet 14 would comprise an elongated duct connected in air-flow communicating relationship with the major distribution duct 11. The station outlet duct 14 would then extend downwardly or, if necessary, laterally toward the particular workers station. In FIG. 1, the length of this station outlet duct is indicated as being of indeterminate length.

Connected with the station outlet duct 14 at the discharge end thereof, is the air distribution outlet device 10 of this invention. This outlet device 10, shown in greater detail in FIG. 2, comprises an elongated barrel l5 and a flow control valve 16 mounted in one end. The elongated barrel has an inlet end 17 which is connected with the station outlet duct 14, and an outlet end in which is positioned the flow valve 16.

The flow control valve 16 is selectively adjustable to regulate air flow through the outlet end 18. In this illustrative embodiment the control valve 16 includes a pivoted damper plate which is positioned in the open circular end of the barrel 15. Pivotally supporting the damper plate are two stub shafts 19 secured by respective mounting brackets 19a to the damper plate in diametrically opposed relationship with the ends of each shaft journaled in the wall of the barrel. The damper plate is thus rotatable about the axis of the shafts 19 with a hand wheel or knob 20 fixed to the end of one shaft extending outside of the barrel to facilitate manipulation. The mounting of the damper plate is designed to permit rotation from a position disposed transversely to the axis of the barrel as shown in FIG. 2 to a position aligned with the longitudinal axis or any other intermediate position. The longitudinally aligned position is shown in broken lines in FIG. 2. A friction lock (not shown) may be incorporated in the apparatus to assure that the damper plate will remain in any selected position to which it may be rotated.

Forming the damper plate are two parallel disposed valve plates 21 and 22. Both valve plates are secured together in parallel relationship by a center axle shaft 23, With this shaft being fixed to the outer or lowermost plate 22 as shown in FIG. 2. The outer end of the shaft 23 is also provided with a hand wheel or knob 24 with the inner end joumaled in the plate 21. Accordingly, the two plates may be relatively rotated about the axis of the shaft 23 and a friction lock may be utilized to maintain the plates in any selected position. The damper supporting shafts 19 are preferably fixed to the inner plate 21, with the entire damper plate being relatively rotatable about the shaft axis.

Formed in each of the valve plates 21 and 22 are a series of angularly spaced apertures 25, with these apertures being of a size and configuration that relative rotation of the plates will place the apertures of the respective plates in or out of registration as desired. When the plates are positioned with the apertures 25 in registration, air may readily flow through the plates while an out of registration position will result in effective blocking of the air flow. It will also be apparent that these two valve plates 21 and 22 may be relatively rotated to any intermediate position for selective regulation of air flow. Rotation of the damper plate about the shaft 19 will provide further selective regulation of air flow and thereby provide complete control of air flow as to the outlet end of the barrel 15 from a completely blocked situation to a substantially unrestricted air flow.

In accordance with this invention, a portion of the cylindrical wall of the barrel 15 is provided with a multiplicity of orifices 30 which permit flow of air laterally from the barrel. These orifices are shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 and are preferably configured to have a smoothly curved inner wall surface 31 and a circular cross section. In the illustrative embodiment, the barrel is fabricated from sheet metal and the orifices 30 having a diameter of about one-fourth inch and spaced at approximately three-eighths inch on center are formed to project outwardly from the plane of the barrel. The depth of the orifices is of the order of 3/16 inch with the wall portions 32 at the inner wall of the barrel being arcuately curved to smoothly merge therewith. The number of orifices formed in the barrel is determined by the physical dimensions of the barrel 15.. It has been found that the longitudinal length of the barrel formed with these orifices is preferably equal to two-thirds of the barrel diameter.

The function of the orifices is to permit lateral distribution of air to thereby obtain infinite control over the air distribution patterns and air flow velocities in cooperation with the air flow control valve 16. With the flow control valve 16 positioned as shown in full lines in FIG. 2 and with the apertures 25 thereof completely out of registration, air flow through the barrel 15 will be restricted to cause all the air to flow laterally outward through the orifices 30. Positioning of the damper plate forming the flow control valve 16 as shown in FIG. 3 will result in unrestricted axial flow through the barrel 15 and out the outlet end 18. In this latter position of valve 16, effectively all of the air will flow axially out of the barrel in a jet stream and no air will flow laterally through the orifices 30. Any intermediate position of the damper plate and other relative registration position of the apertures 25 will result in a combination axial and lateral air flow.

This selective positioning of the flow control valve 16 thus enables a person to effect complete control over air flow velocity and distribution throughout an extremely broad sprectrum of control.

The extremes of air flow and air distribution patterns are diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 for a given air supply. In FIG. 7, the air flow control valve 16 is fully opened and the air exits the barrel in an axially directed jet stream of maximum velocity and volume. This air stream is directed toward the desired location at the workers station. Closing of the valve 16 which includes positioning the apertures in the'two relatively rotatable plates fully out of registration, as shown in FIG. 8, results in only a laterally directed flow of air through the orifices. It will be recognized that this lateral air flow extends around the entire periphery of the barrel 15 which is provided with the orifices. With the orifices 30 formed as specifically described, this lat eral air flow initially exits the barrel at an angle of approximately 150 to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. As a consequence of this initial lateral airflow at a primary discharge velocity, the air is induced to circulate in the indicated roll-type pattern in axially outwardly displaced relationship to the end of the barrel. The orifices 30 have a shaped nozzle configuration that produces a lateral throw to the air discharged through these orifices.

A distribution pattern combining the effects of the axial and lateral air low of FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown in FIG. 9. This combined effect is achieved by positioning the damper plate of the valve 16 in the closed position and rotating the two plates thereof to place the respective apertures in registration to the desired extent. It will be readily seen that an indefinite number of air distribution patterns may be readily obtained to satisfy any particular worker or work situation.

Directional control of air flow in addition to that obtainable through selective positioning of the flow control valve 16 is obtained through swivel mounting of the barrel 15 on the station outlet duct 14 in the illustrated embodiment as best seen in FIG. 2. This swivel mounting is achieved through forming of interfitting spherical portions 35 and 36 at the inlet end 17 of the barrel 15 and a connector duct 37, respectively. The connector duct 37 is adapted to interfit with duct 14. Through appropriate dimensioning of the relatively enlarged spherical portions 35 and 36, it is possible to manipulate the barrel 15 to any desired position within a predetermined limiting cone of movement. This results in possible positioning of the barrel 15 to have the longitudinal axis disposed an an angle to that of the station outlet duct 14 and directed toward a selected position. It will be apparent that the air distribution patterns that may be obtained through the combination action of the flow control valve 16 and the barrel orifices 30 will also be thus relatively displaced from that achieved when the barrel axis is aligned with the station outlet duct 14 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Consequently, a worker can further vary the air flow at his work station.

Further control of air flow is obtained through a sectond flow control valve 40 which is positioned in upstream relationship to that portion of the barrel 15 formed with the orifices 30. This second flow control valve 40 may also be of the damper control type fixed on an elongated shaft 41 journaled in the side walls of the barrel. An outwardly projecting end of the shaft 41 6 is provided with a control knob 42 and incorporating a friction lock. This valve 40 may thus be positioned in the illustrated open position 42 of FIG. 2 or turned at right angles as shown in FIG. 4 to block the air flow into the barrel 15. In the latter position, the air distribution outlet device 10 would be rendered inoperative for the situations where a worker desires no control over air or as in the case where the work station is unoccupied. It will also be apparent that this second flow control valve may be turned to any intermediate position and thereby effect further control over the air flow and particularly as to the quantity of the air discharged from the device.

The second flow control valve 40 is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 as positioned in the inlet end of the barrel 15. If desired, this valve may be positioned in the station outlet duct 14 or in the connector duct 37 as shown in FIG. 10 at a point upstream of the swivel joint interconnecting to components. In the illustration of FIG. 10, this valve is constructed as previously described and is mounted for operation in the same manner.

It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of an embodiment of this invention, that a novel air distribution outlet device is provided which enables independent, selective control at an individual workers station. The combination of a perforated wall barrel with an air flow control valve at the discharge end of the barrel provides unlimited control over the air distribution pattern and velocity and is under direct control of the worker to obtain the desired comfort. Swivel mounting of the device and air flow volume control permits a worker to effect further control over his work station environment.

Having thus described my invention, What is claimed:

1. An air distribution outlet device comprising:

an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices around the entire periphery for a predetermined axial length permitting transverse outflow of air from said barrel, and means for connecting said inlet end to a source of air under pressure. flow control valve mounted on said barrel at the outlet end thereof in downstream relationship to said wall portion formed with orifices, said valve adjustable to selected predetermined positions between fully closed and open positions for controlling axial outflow from the outlet end of said barrel, said valve when adjusted to a position at least partially restricting airflow through said outlet end causing outflow through the orifices in said barrel in proportion to the degree of axial flow restriction of said valve to thereby effecting control over a distributive air flow pattern in axially outward displaced relationship to said outlet end.

2. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 1 wherein said orifices have a shaped nozzle construction and are formed with arcuately curved circumferential edge surfaces at their juncture with the inner surface of the barrel wall.

3. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 1 wherein said barrel is cylindrical and the length of said barrel formed with said orifices being of the order of two-thirds the diameter of said barrel.

4. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 1 wherein said flow control valve is adjustable between a position completely blocking air flow through said outlet end and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow through said outlet end.

5. An air distibution outlet device according to claim 1 having a flow control valve disposed in upstream relationship to said barrel, said last mentioned flow control valve selectively adjustable between a position substantially blocking air flow into said barrel and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow.

6. An air distribution outlet device comprising:

an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices around the entire periphery for a predetermined axial length permitting transverse outflow of air from said barrel,

a selectively adjustable, flow control valve disposed in air flow controlling relationship to the outlet end of said barrel for controlling axial outflow, said valve being adjustable to a position at least partially restricting air flow through said outlet end, and a connector sleeve connected in air flow preceding relationship to said barrel at the air inlet end thereof, said sleeve and barrel interconnected by a swivel joint permitting swivelling of said barrel in any direction to a predetermined extend about said connector sleeve at said swivel joint.

7. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 6 having a flow control valve disposed in upstream relationship to said barrel, said last mentioned flow control valve selectively adjustable between a position substantially blocking air flow into said barrel and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow.

8. An air distribution outlet device comprising an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices permitting outflow of air from said barrel,

a selectively adjustable, flow control valve disposed in air flow controlling relationship to the outlet end of said barrel, said valve being adjustable between a position completely blocking airflow through said outlet end and a position substantially unrestrictive to airflow through said outlet end, a said flow control valve including a damper plate pivotably mounted in the outlet end of said barrel for rotation about an axis extending in the plane of said damper plate and transversely to the longitudinal axis of said barrel, said damper plate being coextensive with the area of said outlet end and pivotable between a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of said barrel and a position aligned with the longitudinal axis, said damper plate including first and second parallel disposed plates pivotably interconnected at their axis for relative rotation in the plane of said plates, each of said first and second plates having a plurality of apertures formed therein which apertures are in registration in one relative position of said two plates permitting air flow there-through and are out of registration in another relative position of said two plates preventing air flow therethrough.

9. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 8 wherein one of said first and second plates is pivotably mounted in the outlet end of said barrel.

10. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 8 wherein said apertures are radially segmented portions of an annular ring.

11. An air distribution outlet device comprising:

an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices around the entire periphery for a predetermined axial length perrnitting transverse outflow of air from said barrel,

a selectively adjustable, flow contol valve disposed in air flow controlling relationship to the outlet end of said barrel for controlling axial outflow, said valve including a damper plate pivotably mounted in the outlet end of said barrel for rotation about an axis extending in the plane of said damper plate and transversely to the longitudinal axis of said barrel, said damper plate being coextensive with the area of said outlet end and pivotable between a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of said barrel and a position aligned with the longitudinal axis and adjustable between a position completely blocking air flow through said outlet end and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow through said outlet end.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT N0. 3,919,929 DATED I November 18, 1975 INVENTUWS) William M. Harmon It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 2, change "distributedd" to --distributed-.

Column 2, line 45, change "comfort" to --comfort--. Column 6, line 43, ohange the period to a comma Column 6, line #8, before "adjustable" insert --being--.

Column 6, line 54, delete "to."

Column 7, line 25, change "extend" to -extent--.

Column 7, line #3, change l'a said' to "said- Signed and Scaled this Sixth D a y Of September I983 |SEAL| Atlest:

GERALD J. MOSSINGHOFF A Nesting Officer Commissioner 0 f Parents and Trademarks 

1. An air distribution outlet device comprising: an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices around the entire periphery for a predetermined axial length permitting transverse outflow of air from said barrel, and means for connecting said inlet end to a source of air under pressure. a flow control valve mounted on said barrel at the outlet end thereof in downstream relationship to said wall portion formed with orifices, said valve adjustable to selected predetermined positions between fully closed and open positions for controlling axial outflow from the outlet end of said barrel, said valve when adjusted to a position at least partially restricting airflow through said outlet end causing outflow through the orifices in said barrel in proportion to the degree of axial flow restriction of said valve to thereby effecting control over a distributive air flow pattern in axially outward displaced relationship to said outlet end.
 2. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 1 wherein said orifices have a shaped nozzle construction and are formed with arcuately curved circumferential edge surfaces at their juncture with the inner surface of the barrel wall.
 3. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 1 wherein said barrel is cylindrical and the length of said barrel formed with said orifices being of the order of two-thirds the diameter of said barrel.
 4. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 1 wherein said flow control valve is adjustable between a position completely blocking air flow through said outlet end and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow through said outlet end.
 5. An air distibution outlet device according to claim 1 having a flow control valve disposed in upstream relationship to said barrel, said last mentioned flow control valve selectively adjustable between a position substantially blocking air flow into said barrel and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow.
 6. An air distribution outlet device comprising: an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices around the entire periphery for a predetermined axial length permitting transverse outflow of air from said barrel, a selectively adjustable, flow control valve disposed in air flow controlling relationship to the outlet end of said barrel for controlling axial outflow, said valve being adjustable to a position at least partially restricting air flow through said outlet end, and a connector sleeve connected in air flow preceding relationship to said barrel at the air inlet end thereof, said sleeve and barrel interconnected by a swivel joint permitting swivelling of said barrel in any direction to a predetermined extend about said connector sleeve at said swivel joint.
 7. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 6 having a flow control valve disposed in upstream relationship to said barrel, said last mentioned flow control valve selectively adjustable between a position substantially blocking air flow into said barrel and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow.
 8. An air distribution outlet device comprising an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices permitting outflow of air from said barrel, a selectively adjustable, flow control valve disposed in air flow controlling relationship to the outlet end of said barrel, said valve being adjustable between a position completely blocking airflow through said outlet end and a position substantially unrestrictive to airflow through said outlet end, a said flow control valve including a damper plate pivotably mounted in the outlet end of said barrel for rotation about an axis extending in the plane of said damper plate and transversely to the longitudinal axis of said barrel, said damper plate being coextensive with the area of said outlet end and pivotable between a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of said barrel and a position aligned with the longitudinal axis, said damper plate including first and second parallel disposed plates pivotably interconnected at their axis for relative rotation in the plane of said plates, each of said first and second plates having a plurality of apertures formed therein which apertures are in registration in one relative position of said two plates permitting air flow there-through and are out of registration in another relative position of said two plates preventing air flow therethrough.
 9. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 8 wherein one of said first and second plates is pivotably mounted in the outlet end of said barrel.
 10. An air distribution outlet device according to claim 8 wherein said apertures are radially segmented portions of an annular ring.
 11. An air distribution outlet device comprising: an elongated barrel having opposed air inlet and outlet ends and an intermediate, longitudinally extending wall portion formed with a multiplicity of orifices around the entire periphery for a predetermined axial length permitting transverse outflow of air from said barrel, a selectively adjustable, flow contol valve disposed in air flow controlling relationship to the outlet end of said barrel for controlling axial outflow, said valve including a damper plate pivotably mounted in the outlet end of said barrel for rotation about an axis extending in the plane of said damper plate and transversely to the longitudinal axis of said barrel, said damper plate being coextensive with the area of said outlet end and pivotable between a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of said barrel and a position aligned with the longitudinal axis and adjustable between a position completely blocking air flow through said outlet end and a position substantially unrestrictive to air flow through said outlet end. 